I'm the only Lancaster, PA Realtor I know of who's a member of the Green Building Association. There's a reason for that - I'm passionate about the movement in the home industry to build more environmentally responsible homes and operate them intelligently (called "sustainability"). I believe that with sustainable real estate everyone wins, and that independence is a worthy human goal. There are lots of other people who believe as I do and are working in their industries to change hearts & minds. Two great Lancaster, PA examples would be Steve Mellinger of Blue Moon Solar and Tamasin Sterner of Pure Energy. There are literally hundreds of visionaries working to bring sustainable products & services to the market for consumers.

Unfortunately, the international furor over "global warming" and the impact of "greenhouse gas emissions" has served to obscure the bigger goal of sustainability. Reasonable people who would otherwise be in full agreement of the goals mentioned in my first paragraph are put-off by the shrillness of the "sky is falling" crowd. Regardless of the argument between scientists, the warming debate has soured large segments of the populace against all forms of "green" thought.

In the media, the "green" movement is oft-painted as a liberal initiative. Who hasn't heard the "round glasses and birkenstocks" comparison? In the same vein, liberals unfairly paint all conservatives as owning stock in oil companies and dumping chemicals in lakes with a smile. Conservatives need to remember that "conservation" is a part of their heritage - small government, individuals responsible for their community's health & growth, etc. Liberals need to remember that private enterprise is what has driven every major achievement - not government regulation. There's just no reason to bring all the other political baggage into this common goal. Ah, if only the "green" party wasn't so left-leaning! Imagine what a truly moderate green party could do to unite people...OK, I digress.

When all the broad-brushing is peeled away, however, the reasonable & desirable goals of sustainability shine through. It's really not a political thing at all - it's just common sense. And good business. So, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Look beyond the headlines and support the goal of creating a sustainable future.

For more information on sustainability in Lancaster, check out the Susquehanna Sustainable Business Network.

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For Lancaster PA homes for sale click here. Jeff Geoghan is a top real estate expert in Lancaster County, PA, and an involved community member. Jeff's work has been featured in the Lancaster Newspapers, WGAL Channel 8, PA Business Journal and Wall Street Journal. Jeff's blog on Lancaster County and its homes is nationally-featured. Contact Jeff for more help with your Lancaster PA Real Estate needs. Jeff is also a photographer - view some of his portfolio. Comments are welcome!

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